Mrs folorunsho alakija raising the nearest generation of female leaders

The 8th Global Conference of the African Women in Leadership Organisation with the theme “We’ve Got the Power” held at the Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City, Washington DC, USA from the 17th – 21stAugust, 2016. Conferees arrived the conference on the 17th of August and a welcome cocktail was held on the 18th . The conference was officially opened on the 19th August, 2016 by Chief (Mrs.) Opral Benson, CON, Chairperson, Board of Trustees of AWLO and the Founder/ President of AWLO, Hon. Elisha Attai warmly welcomed all delegates. He reiterated the fact that African Women in Leadership Organisation remains strong and resolute in their commitment to achieving a bold platform for appraising the performance of our female leaders in government, politics, entrepreneurship, entertainment, education and other fields of endeavor. He stated that it is also the fervent hope of AWLO to see young girls go out and grab the world by the lapels as prescribed by the words of Maya Angelou, "Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass." This encapsulates the idea behind AWLO in its theme "WE'VE GOT THE POWER" The conference showcased different sessions which included the plenary, panel discussions, inauguration of the AWLO Youth Council, the Youth Summit and the Awards and Gala night. The Conference session, moderated by Prof. Uduak Archibong, was chaired by Almas Jiwani and was enriched by the innovative contributions of erudite and well versed speakers which included Eveline Pierre who spoke on the topic – ‘She Got the Power’, Mr. Jeffry O. who spoke on the topic – ‘Building a Sustainable Future’, Ms. Angelle Kweme – ‘Harnessing the Power of Change’, Jacque Johnson – ‘Women Empowering Women – Taking the Limits off to bring Unity, Prosperity and Equality to all and Mrs. Ibim Sementari – Finding and Owning your Voice as a Woman Leader. The Youth Summit was chaired by Dr. Violet Arene and issues affecting the growth and development of African youths were identified, discussed and solutions generated. The key note address was presented by Chief Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, who dispassionately, but convincingly set the tone of the conference in a thought provoking manner. We also had Honourable Senator Donzella James, welcoming delegates to the conference and charging us to arise to the challenge of raising the next generation of female leaders.